Booze cruise: union appeals deputy's suspension

A law enforcement union is appealing the Dodge County Sheriff's Department Grievance Committee's decision to suspend a deputy. A Richland County Sheriff's deputy pulled over 48-year-old Gregory Weihert in August.

Weinert allegedly pulled a u-turn, had open alcohol in the car and tested just above the legal limit for alcohol. Richland County's District Attorney ruled there was "no reasonable suspicion" to initiate the traffic stop. Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls asked the Grievance Committee to suspend Weihert for 20-days without pay.Nehls says Weihert asked the Richland County deputy for "professional courtesy," which violates the department's mission statement. Nehls notes that while Weihert may not have been convicted of drunk driving, he did test above the legal limit.

The Grievance Committee upheld Nehls' request in October. The union's appeal forces the matter to arbitration. The arbitrator's findings for the suspension or no disciplinary action will be final.